Chevrolet 2006 Monte Carlo User Manual

Braking
See Brake System Warning Light on page 3-31.
Braking action involves perception time and
reaction time.
First, you have to decide to push on the brake pedal.
That is perception time. Then you have to bring up your
foot and do it. That is reaction time.
Average reaction time is about three-fourths of a
second. But that is only an average. It might be less
with one driver and as long as two or three seconds or
more with another. Age, physical condition, alertness,
coordination, and eyesight all play a part. So do alcohol,
drugs, and frustration. But even in three-fourths of a
second, a vehicle moving at 60 mph (100 km/h) travels
66 feet (20 m). That could be a lot of distance in an
emergency, so keeping enough space between
your vehicle and others is important.
And, of course, actual stopping distances vary greatly
with the surface of the road, whether it is pavement
or gravel; the condition of the road, whether it is
wet, dry, or icy; tire tread; the condition of your brakes;
the weight of the vehicle; and the amount of brake
force applied.
Avoid needless heavy braking. Some people drive in
spurts — heavy acceleration followed by heavy
braking — rather than keeping pace with traffic. This is
a mistake. Your brakes may not have time to cool
between hard stops. Your brakes will wear out much
faster if you do a lot of heavy braking. If you keep pace
with the traffic and allow realistic following distances,
you will eliminate a lot of unnecessary braking.
That means better braking and longer brake life.
If your engine ever stops while you are driving, brake
normally but do not pump your brakes. If you do,
the pedal may get harder to push down. If your engine
stops, you will still have some power brake assist.
But you will use it when you brake. Once the power
assist is used up, it may take longer to stop and
the brake pedal will be harder to push.
Adding non-GM accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. See Accessories and Modifications
on page 5-3.
4-6

Chevrolet 2006 Monte Carlo Specifications

General

Brand	Chevrolet
Model	2006 Monte Carlo
Category	Automobile
Language	English

Summary

Safety Warnings and Symbols

Section 1 Seats and Restraint Systems

Safety Belts

How to use safety belts properly and what not to do with them.

Child Restraints

Guidance for older children who have outgrown booster seats.

Airbag System

Description of frontal and side impact airbags and their locations.

Section 2 Features and Controls

Theft-Deterrent Systems

How to activate and disarm the content theft-deterrent alarm system.

Section 3 Instrument Panel

Warning Lights, Gages, and Indicators

Explanation of various warning lights, gages, and indicators on the instrument panel cluster.

Driver Information Center (DIC)

How the DIC displays messages, system information, and vehicle status.

Section 4 Driving Your Vehicle

Defensive Driving

Principles of defensive driving, including anticipating hazards and maintaining following distance.

Drunken Driving

Dangers of drinking and driving, its effects on driving abilities, and factors influencing BAC.

Braking

Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

Traction Control System (TCS)

Towing a Trailer

Section 5 Service and Appearance Care

Engine Oil

How to check engine oil level using the dipstick, emphasizing warm engine and level ground.

Tires

Inflation - Tire Pressure

Importance of correct tire pressure and consequences of under-inflation or over-inflation.

Section 6 Maintenance Schedule

Scheduled Maintenance

Section 7 Customer Assistance and Information

Customer Satisfaction Procedure

Roadside Assistance Program

Overview of the Chevrolet Roadside Assistance program and services provided.